The BNP has intensified its preparations for nationwide campaigning ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections, placing major emphasis on shaping a comprehensive election manifesto. The party plans to present its vision for rebuilding the country through detailed leaflets outlining reforms, development priorities, and governance changes it hopes to implement if elected. These discussions were a key focus of the BNP National Standing Committee meeting held Monday night, reliable sources confirmed. Candidate reconsideration was also discussed.
The meeting took place from 9 pm to 11 pm at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman presided virtually from London. Among those present were Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior Standing Committee members including Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Zamiruddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Begum Selima Rahman, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram), and Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Members also expressed wishes for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, though there was no discussion about taking her abroad for treatment.
Sources said the BNP intends to present sector-specific action plans to the public, highlighting measures for national reconstruction, citizen security, law and order, and implementation of its previously announced 31-point reform plan. Separate leaflets will outline proposals for education, employment, health, agriculture and food security, industry, trade, sports, public administration, and anti-corruption initiatives. The party’s central leadership plans to launch a coordinated, nationwide mass-communication campaign, with special emphasis on attracting youth and women voters. Leaders and activists will be instructed to deliver the leaflets door-to-door, with all materials ready before the election schedule is announced.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury noted that the BNP aims to introduce free primary healthcare if elected. “This is part of our preparatory homework,” he said. He added that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s future plan for the country must reach the people. According to party sources, the upcoming manifesto will integrate the BNP’s 31-point plan, the July Charter, and recent political directives. Major commitments include restructuring the governance system, restoring democracy, ensuring judicial independence, decentralizing administration, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks.
The BNP also plans to expand education funding and introduce practical and technical training from the school level. Proposed subjects include IT, sports, art and culture, dental hygiene, and medical technology. The party is considering introducing a third language at the primary level and an additional foreign language in high school, giving students the opportunity to learn Arabic, German, French, Japanese, or Chinese — skills the BNP believes will boost international employability.
Through its leaflets, the BNP will also pledge to promote merit-based student politics, ensure safe campus environments, address housing shortages in student halls, and modernize libraries both online and offline. Expanding women's education, creating domestic and overseas employment, ensuring workplace safety, and building a self-reliant Bangladesh are set to feature prominently.
Meanwhile, the Standing Committee also discussed protests and human chains organized by individuals denied nominations in more than fifty constituencies. Some members described such discontent as normal in a party of BNP’s scale. While most selected candidates are seen as locally popular and acceptable, leaders indicated that a small number of constituencies may undergo reconsideration.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
